Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has escalated his ongoing feud with Damon Hill, demanding that the former driver and pundit apologize and “keep quiet” after recent critical remarks about Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing. If Hill refuses, Verstappen has hinted at possible legal action for defamation and libel, potentially involving the FIA and the courts.

The dispute is the latest in a series of conflicts between Red Bull, Verstappen, and members of the F1 media, with Hill emerging as one of Verstappen’s most vocal critics.

Verstappen’s Ultimatum to Hill 

Verstappen, a three-time world champion, has made it clear that he is unwilling to let Hill’s remarks slide. Reports indicate that Verstappen believes Hill’s recent statements have crossed the line from analysis into damaging accusations, harming both his reputation and that of Red Bull.

“I’ve had enough of these baseless claims,” Verstappen reportedly said. “People can have opinions, but when those opinions turn into false accusations, that’s not acceptable. Damon Hill needs to keep quiet and apologize. Otherwise, I will take legal action.”

While Verstappen has not publicly detailed which specific comments he is referring to, Hill has been consistently critical of Verstappen’s racing tactics and Red Bull’s conduct. His latest remarks included accusations that Red Bull refuses to accept criticism and that Verstappen would “cry like a baby” if aggressive racing moves were used against him.

Legal Threats: Could Verstappen Take Hill to Court? 

While defamation lawsuits are rare in sports, Verstappen’s threat suggests that he and Red Bull Racing believe Hill’s words have caused measurable harm. If pursued, a legal case could revolve around whether Hill’s public statements were factual analysis or damaging falsehoods.

Under FIA regulations, teams and drivers are expected to uphold the sport’s reputation and integrity, and it is possible that Red Bull could involve the FIA in the dispute. However, any court case would likely fall under civil law, with Verstappen needing to prove that Hill’s remarks were not only false but also harmful to his career and reputation.

It is also unclear if Sky Sports—Hill’s former employer—could become involved in the legal proceedings. Sky Sports has already distanced itself from Hill, releasing a statement thanking him for his contributions but not addressing his ongoing conflict with Verstappen and Red Bull.

Damon Hill: A History of Red Bull Criticism 

Hill, the 1996 F1 world champion, has never shied away from criticizing Verstappen. He has accused Red Bull of failing to rein in Verstappen’s aggressive racing style, particularly in incidents with drivers like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.

Hill’s most recent comments suggested that Red Bull acts as if they are the “toughest team on the grid” but then “cry about it” when faced with media scrutiny.

“Red Bull fight their corner very forcefully, and they don’t like criticism of Max,” Hill told The Telegraph earlier this week.

He also suggested that Verstappen enjoys “carte blanche” to push the rules, with Red Bull shielding him from consequences rather than holding him accountable.

Hill has yet to respond publicly to Verstappen’s demand for an apology. However, given his history of speaking his mind, an apology seems unlikely—which could mean a prolonged public battle between the two F1 figures.

What Happens Next?

While many F1 feuds are settled on the track, this one could take an unprecedented turn into legal territory. If Verstappen proceeds with his defamation and libel case, it could set a major precedent for how media criticism and driver conduct are handled in F1.

Some insiders believe that Verstappen’s legal threat is more of a warning shot than an actual lawsuit in the making. By calling for an apology, Verstappen may be looking to force Hill to retract his statements without going through a lengthy legal battle.

However, if Hill doubles down on his stance, Verstappen may follow through with his lawsuit—turning an already heated rivalry into a full-scale legal fight.

With the 2025 F1 season approaching, all eyes will be on whether this controversy impacts Verstappen’s focus on winning his fifth world championship or if it remains a war of words between two outspoken figures in the sport.